Improved Gauge System

ABSTRACT

A linear gauge system for locating adjacent a weight bearing elongated frame able to support an elongated product which is to be processed linearly, the linear gauge system including a linear gauge, wherein the linear gauge is made precisely from a lightweight material; b. an elongated support wherein the elongated support is formed of stronger material than the linear gauge; and c. a carriage mounted on the linear gauge to which is mounted a movable platform which can engage a workpiece on the adjacent weight bearing elongated frame; wherein the linear gauge is formed precisely separately to the elongated support and mounted to the elongated support to provide the strength to the linear gauge.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved gauge system forpositioning workpieces made of wood, plastic, metal or other materialwhich require precision cutting. In particular the present inventionrelates to an improved gauge system which allows precision cutting andlightweight construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Positioning systems, also termed gauge systems, are used in amanufacturing environment to position workpieces quickly and accuratelyrelative to a processing tool, such as a saw. The workpieces can beelongated articles such as pieces of lumber, pipes, conduits, sheetmetal, extrusions, or the like.

In gauge systems, there can be stop-based gauge systems that have a stopwhich serves as a movable fence that contacts an end (or other surface)of a workpiece. By precise positioning of the stop there is establisheda precise distance along the elongated workpiece from the end to theprocessing tool. The stop can be driven along a linear axis (i.e., ameasurement axis) to adjust the distance of the stop from the toolaccording to a target dimension for a product to be formed by processingthe workpiece with the tool, such as the length to be cut from a pieceof lumber.

Stop-based, linear gauge systems can have various levels of complexity.

A fundamental stop gauge system requires a precise elongated lineargauge or measuring ruler so as to be able to define positions along theelongated stop gauge system at exact locations relative an end. In thisway the workpiece supported along the stop gauge system can be linearlyprocessed.

However as shown in FIG. 1 the stop gauge system 11 comprises a combinedgauge and support 15 upon which is movably mounted a movable stop 20that must glide along the combined gauge and support 15 and along oragainst the workpiece 10.

The first fundamental problem is that the whole mechanism and support ofthe movable stop 20 and workpiece 10 is tightly mounted on a largecombined gauge and support 15 as there must be minimization of wobble ortilt or relative fitting of movable stop 20 to the combined gauge andsupport 15 otherwise the accuracy of the location of the movable stop 20is not provided by the accuracy of the accurate gauge of the combinedgauge and support 15

The second fundamental problem is that since the gauge must be madeprecisely to give the measuring accuracy, the combined gauge and support15 must be made precisely.

A third fundamental problem is the weight to be supported and theaccuracy of control and the complexity of structure of the combinedgauge and support results in the need for a detailed and complex bearingstructures to engage therebetween.

It can be seen that there are a number of problems and these and othersproblems multiply in a chain reaction of problematic effects.

In one prior art version 12 as shown in FIG. 2 the stop gauge system 12comprises a combined gauge and support 16 upon which is movably mounteda movable stop 21 that must glide along the combined gauge and support16 and have an arm (not shown) that extends along or against theworkpiece 10. The movable stop 21 in this form is generally T shape withthe central support being held within the combined gauge and support 16and engaging by bearings 25 therebetween.

When this version 12 is made from expensive material such as aluminium,it needs to have a complex extruded shape to allow such a lightweightmaterial to maintain strength as well as minimizing the amount ofaluminium material to save costs as well as to maintain the accuracy ofthe combined gauge and support.

Therefore as shown in FIG. 3 the combined gauge and support 16 is formedfrom a complex moulded or extruded aluminium shape with a plurality ofdetailed connectors joining the various parts together. It is clear thatmaintaining accuracy requires a detailed precision in manufacture andconstruction and that these precise structures can readily deterioratein use by wear or misalignment at a multitude of connecting points.

In another prior art version 13 as shown in FIG. 4 the stop gauge system13 comprises a combined gauge and support 17 upon which is movablymounted a movable stop 22 that must glide along the combined gauge andsupport 17 and have an arm (not shown) that extends along or against theworkpiece 10. Instead of the movable stop 21 only having a singlecentral support of the generally T shape being held within the combinedgauge and support 16 and engaging by bearings 25, an improvement tominimize wobble and tilting is to have an inverted U-shape movable stop22 extending over the top of combined gauge and support 17. Bearings 26are mounted between the outside of the combined gauge and support 17 andthe inner underside of the wings of the inverted U-shape movable stop22.

When this version 13 is made from expensive material such as aluminium,it needs to have a complex extruded shape to allow such a lightweightmaterial maintain strength as well as minimizing the amount of aluminiummaterial to save costs. However as shown in FIG. 5 the strength of thecombined gauge and support 16 must provide a stronger spaced structurecombined gauge and support 16 with perfect alignment and precisionmaking of the four connected corners. Further with the gauge bearings 26being spaced there must be more accuracy in complex bearings to align ata distance and to be more precisely constructed to provide the requiredsupport of the entire weight while providing the accuracy of measurementof location by the gauge to the movable stop without wobble or tilt ormisalignment or relative movements.

More sophisticated versions of stop gauge systems automate control ofthe tool and use the stop as a pusher to drive movement of the workpiecetoward the tool. These pusher-based systems can, for example, drive theend of a workpiece toward the tool to multiple stopped positions atwhich workpiece processing is performed, to create multiple productsautomatically from a single workpiece. For example, pusher-based systemscan create a set of products of desired length automatically based on acut list. In contrast, simpler stop-based gauge systems combine (a) apassive stop that does not push the workpiece and (b) manual control ofthe tool. With these simpler systems, a user manually places a workpieceagainst the stop after the stop has ceased moving at a location definedby a target dimension, and then manually controls the tool to processthe workpiece.

Stop-based, linear gauge systems improve efficiency and accuracy,thereby saving time and money. Accordingly, many craftsmen, such asframers, finish carpenters, cabinet installers, and cabinetmakers, wouldbenefit from use of these gauge systems. However, these craftsmenfrequently do not work predominantly in a single facility, but insteadmay move frequently between different job sites.

As a result, craftsmen often opt not to invest in stop-based gaugesystems because these systems having perceived problems including one ormore of:

-   -   a. lack of portability,    -   b. high cost,    -   c. large size,    -   d. need for heavy duty precision elongated guide that supports        all of the items and workpiece    -   e. need for heavy duty precision elongated guide which while        providing support also provides precision mounting and precision        measuring    -   f. complexity of use,    -   g. lack of functionality, and    -   h. difficulty to assemble and maintain.

Therefore, improved stop-based gauge systems are needed that include oneor more improvements related to one or more of the benefits of:

-   -   a. more portable,    -   b. less expensive,    -   c. more compact,    -   d. safer.    -   e. less complex,    -   f. does not require the whole article to be heavy duty        supporting    -   g. does not require the whole article to be precision made    -   h. more functional, and/or    -   i. more user-friendly to assemble, operate, reconfigure, and/or        service.

In view of the above, it is desirable to have an improved lightweightgauge system that addresses and ameliorates one or more of the prior artdeficiencies or at least provides one or more viable options.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred toherein, such reference does not constitute an admission that theinformation forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, inAustralia or any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided a linear gauge system forlocating adjacent a weight bearing elongated frame able to support anelongated product which is to be processed linearly, the linear gaugesystem comprising: a linear gauge, wherein the linear gauge is madeprecisely from a lightweight material; an elongated support wherein theelongated support is formed of stronger material than the linear gauge;and a carriage mounted on the linear gauge to which is mounted a movablestop which can engage a workpiece on the adjacent weight bearingelongated frame, wherein the linear gauge is formed precisely separatelyto the elongated support and mounted to the elongated support to providethe strength to the linear gauge.

It can be seen that the invention has the benefit of separating thelinear gauge from the support.

This allows the linear gauge alone to be precisely made frompredominately aluminium. At the same time it allows the elongatedsupport to be formed less precisely of steel and not requiring complexinterfittings or complex bearings. This clearly represents animprovement over the prior art complex systems, and less expensive.

The linear gauge system can have the elongated support formed as astrong hollow structure such as formed by at least two sections such asL sections that interfit to form the hollow structure.

In this form of the linear gauge system the linear gauge can be mountedat least substantially within the elongated support. In this way theelongated support is not only providing the strength to the structurebut is protecting the precisely formed linear gauge in a spacedprotective manner rather than needing to interface with it in anyprecision.

In a preferred linear gauge system the carriage is generally invertedU-shape over the linear gauge and within the elongated support andengaging by bearings therebetween. The ability to have a small preciselinear gauge means that unlike the prior art the inverted U-shape isalso relatively small as it merely fits over the linear gauge but iswithin the elongated support.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda linear gauge system comprising:

-   -   a. a linear gauge having precision measurements    -   b. a weight bearing elongated frame located adjacent to the        linear gauge    -   c. a movable platform mounted on the weight bearing frame        enabling travel along the elongated frame    -   d. a drive means for driving the movable platform    -   e. a control means for controlling the movement of the platform        along the platform according to precise measurement determined        according to the linear gauge        wherein a device can be mounted on the movable platform and the        control means can accurately locate the device at precise        measurements along the elongated frame according to the        precision measurements of the linear gauge.

The present invention represents an advance over the prior art becauseit is lightweight and therefore easily portable, and

Preferably the linear gauge is precision engineered from lightweightmaterial. In one embodiment the lightweight material can be thinaluminium.

In one embodiment the linear gauge is preferably mounted on the weightbearing elongated frame.

The weight bearing elongated frame can substantially overly the lineargauge. Alternatively, the weight bearing elongated frame cansubstantially enclose the linear gauge.

The linear gauge system of the invention can include a casing whichsubstantially encloses the weight bearing elongated frame and the lineargauge.

In one preferred aspect of the invention, a portion of the movableplatform can extend away from the weight bearing frame and is able tosupport the device mounted on the carriage. Preferably, a portion of themovable platform extends from the casing away from the weight bearingframe and is able to support the device mounted on the carriage.

In one embodiment of the invention, the movable platform can be mountedon the weight bearing frame enabling travel along the elongated frame.Preferably, the movable platform is mounted to a linear gauge carriagetravelling along the linear gauge in a substantially non-weight bearingmanner enabling precision travel along the linear gauge.

In a preferred aspect of the linear gauge system, the linear gaugecarriage can substantially overly the linear gauge. Preferably thelinear gauge carriage is a substantially inverted U-shape which overliesthe linear gauge.

Preferably the linear gauge carriage of the linear gauge system isadapted to substantially glide along the linear gauge. In particular thelinear gauge carriage can be adapted to substantially glide along thelinear gauge along elongated bearings.

The drive means of the linear gauge system can be mounted on the movableplatform to drive it along the weight bearing frame.

In one embodiment the drive means can be mounted on the weight bearingframe and connected to the movable platform to drive it along the weightbearing frame.

In a further embodiment, the drive means can be mounted alongside theweight bearing frame and includes a motor driving an elongated memberconnected to the movable platform to selectively locate the movableplatform along the weight bearing frame.

The drive means of the linear gauge system can be mounted to the weightbearing frame and includes a motor driving an elongated member extendingin a continuous loop around spigots at or near spaced ends of the weightbearing frame and connected to opposing sides of the movable platform toselectively locate the movable platform along the weight bearing frame.It can be seen that the invention provides the following benefitsincluding:

-   -   a. The linear gauge is precision engineered from lightweight        material.    -   b. The linear gauge is substantially non-weight bearing hence        can be made from material such as aluminium,    -   c. Greater precision on linear gauge for locating a device for        performing work in a work piece

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of thepresent invention, a preferred embodiment/preferred embodiments of theinvention will now be described, by way of example only, with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a general diagrammatic detail of a gauge system of the priorart having a a combined gauge and support;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are general diagrammatic and typical cross section of acomplex gauge system of the prior art having a combined gauge andsupport which supports a general T-shaped movable stop;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are general diagrammatic and typical cross section of acomplex gauge system of the prior art having a combined gauge andsupport which supports a general inverted U-shaped movable stop;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are general diagrammatic and typical cross section of alinear gauge system of an embodiment of the invention having a gaugemounted within an elongated support which supports a general invertedU-shaped carriage connectable to an external movable stop;

FIG. 9 is an overhead diagrammatic view of the components of anembodiment of the overall linear gauge system of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the components of anembodiment of the overall linear gauge system of the invention as perFIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the components of afurther embodiment of the overall linear gauge system of the inventionwhich due to the configuration can be more compactly packaged by partialoverlapping compared to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of components of the linear gauge systemin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of components of the linear gauge system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of two opposite end lengths of anassembled length of the linear gauge system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention and identifying sections A, B and C;

FIG. 15 shows a close-up cross-sectional view of the linear gauge systemat A in FIG. 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 show a close-up perspective view of part ‘A’ of thelinear gauge system in FIG. 14,

FIGS. 18 and 20 show close-up perspective views of part ‘B’ of thelinear gauge system in FIG. 13 with a close-up perspective view of amotor for driving an continuous drive belt of the linear gauge system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 19 and 21 show a close-up perspective views of part ‘C’ of thelinear gauge system in FIG. 13 a close-up perspective view of an a endroller mount of the continuous drive belt of the linear gauge system inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 is an overhead view of a section of the linear gauge showingmovable platform of the linear gauge system,

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of positioning system on the linear gaugefor locating the movable platform,

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram showing processing features for working thelinear gauge system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be noted in the following description that like or the samereference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similarfeatures.

Referring to the drawings there is shown a lightweight linear gaugesystem 30 for accurately positioning a device such as a cutting toolrelative to a workpiece supported on a support surface such as aconveyor 81 (best seen in FIG. 11) for precision work on the work piece.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the linear gauge system 30 broadly comprisesa linear gauge 41 forming a rail made of precision lightweight materialmounted to a weight bearing elongated support frame 51 made from heaviergrade material such as steel.

The linear gauge 41 is mounted to the support frame 51 by a series ofspaced apart bolts 45 passing through a central portion of the lineargauge and fastening to a floor portion of the support frame. In FIG. 6the elongated support frame 51 is a strong hollow structure formed by atleast two L-sections that interfit to form the hollow structure.

The linear gauge system further includes a carriage 61 movably mountedon the linear gauge 41 over bearings 65 on the linear gauge. The lineargauge 41 is formed precisely and separately to the elongated supportframe 51, and mounted to the elongated support frame to provide thestrength to the linear gauge.

In FIGS. 6 to 8, 13 and 15 the carriage 61 is generally an invertedU-shape over the linear gauge and within the elongated support, engagingthe linear gauge by bearings therebetween. The ability to have a smallprecise linear gauge means that unlike the prior art the invertedU-shape is also relatively small as it merely fits over the linear gaugebut is within the elongated support. This also means that instead of thelinear gauge providing the strength and weight bearing features as inthe prior art, the linear gauge of the present invention is smaller,less complex, higher precision, lighter hence portable, and lessexpensive to make from aluminium.

As seen in FIGS. 8 to 11, and 15, the linear gauge system 41 furtherincludes a platform 62 mounted on the carriage 61, which is adapted toengage a workpiece on the weight bearing elongated frame. In theembodiment shown in FIGS. 8 and 15, a portion of the platform extendsaway from the weight bearing frame and is able to support a devicemounted on the carriage.

In particular as shown in FIGS. 8 and 15, the weight bearing elongatedsupport frame 51 includes a slot 91 extending along the elongate supportframe 51 receiving an edge portion 63 of the platform 62 therethrough,wherein as the carriage 61 moves along the linear gauge 41, the platformmoves relative to the slot 91 to position the edge portion.

The edge portion 63 of the platform protrudes through the slot 91 toprovide a support platform for receiving a workpiece thereon, and movesalong the slot with the carriage for precise positioning of theworkpiece relative to a processing tool (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, 15 and 17, the linear gauge system 30 furtherincludes a drive means 75. In FIGS. 9 to 11 and 15 the drive means 75 isprovided in the form of a belt drive system comprising a belt loop drive76 and a drive motor 85. Several alternative arrangements are shown inFIGS. 9 to 11 where the belt loop 76 of the belt drive is either offsetfrom the linear gauge 41, overlaps with the linear gauge 41, or isconfigured in parallel with the linear gauge 41. As shown in FIGS. 10and 12 the gauge system 30 can be mounted to a conveyor structure 81having a series of spaced rollers on a conveyor platform and heightadjustable legs 105. In this embodiment the platform 62 also includes amounting plate 82 to which a processing device such as a cutting tool ora workpiece can be attached.

As best shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the belt loop drive 76 includes a pairof opposite buckles 21 a and 21 b adapted to be fixed to opposite sidesof the platform 62 by aligned openings in a mounting part of the bucklesand the platform 62 and fastening by means of through bolts 22.

As seen in FIG. 17, the buckles 21 a and 21 b are fitted with endportions of a belt 76, and the belt thus forms a loop structure (seeFIG. 13) which is driven in a looped pathway by a drive motor 85 throughwhich the belt engages and passes. In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 12and 14 the motor is located externally on one end of and offset from theelongate support frame.

The linear gauge 41 is fabricated from a lightweight material such asaluminium thus reducing the weight of the linear gauge system 1 andlabor costs for manufacture.

The linear gauge system 30 further includes a control system 91 whichcontrols movement and positioning of the platform 62 along the supportframe according to precise measurement of the linear gauge 41. In oneembodiment a device can be mounted on the movable platform and thecontrol means accurately locates the device at precise measurementsalong the elongated frame according to the precision measurements of thelinear gauge.

The control means comprises an operating system which controls thepositioning of the movable platform 62 along the linear gauge 41according to predetermined measurement requirements and locationinformation according to the linear gauge.

The drive means in one embodiment shown in FIG. 12 is functionallyoperated by a control operating system 91. This system includes agradation system comprising a series of spaced apart openings on thelinear gauge 41 extending along the length of the linear gauge atpredetermined spacings, light emitting devices for dispersing lightthrough the spaced openings, light sensing devices for detecting lightthrough the openings, and a communication system for receiving andrelaying information from the light sensing devices to a motor control.

As shown in FIGS. 10 to 11 b as the movable platform traverses thelinear gauge, at least a part of the platform covers one or moreadjacent openings for a given location. Light detection changes aresensed by light detectors located on or close to the linear gauge andinformation transferred to an operating central control unit 31. Thecentral control unit programmed for determining location of the platformrelative to the linear gauge.

Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13 the linear gauge 41 of the linear gaugesystem 30 includes a longitudinal shaped linear gauge 41 mounted to andextending along a floor portion of the elongate support 51 by spacedapart fastening bolts 45.

The platform 62 of the linear gauge system 30 is received by and movableover the weight bearing frame 51 by drive means 75 located offset to andabove the linear gauge 41. In the figures the drive means includes amotor 85 mounted to and externally of the elongate support frame 51 andbeing interconnected to the continuous drive belt 76 forming a loopedcircuit. As shown the continuous belt 76 is connected to a part of theplatform 62 by mounting buckles. The belt extends in a continuous looparound spigots 72, 74 at or near spaced ends of the weight bearing frameand connected to opposing sides of the platform by the mounting bucklesto enable selective positioning of the platform by moving the carriagealong the linear gauge with the weight bearing being provided by theelongate support frame 51.

As shown the movable 62 is mounted to a linear gauge carriage 61,wherein the linear gauge carriage 61 has an internal longitudinalinverted U-shaped recess 27 with a complimentary cross-section to thelinear gauge 41. As shown in the figures, the linear gauge carriage 61is adapted to move over the linear gauge, and in so doing displace theplatform along the elongate support frame extending through slottedopening 91 with bearings 65 aiding the sliding movement of the carriage61 relative to the linear gauge.

In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the platform includes anupright support plate 82 that extends away from the weight bearing frame51. In combination the upright support plate and platform providesupport for a device such as a cutting tool on the linear gauge carriage61.

The linear gauge 41 in one embodiment substantially overlies the lineargauge 41. In an alternative embodiment the weight bearing elongatedframe substantially encloses the linear gauge.

The linear gauge system includes a drive means including a continuousbelt fixed to the platform, and a motor for driving the platform 62 andcarriage via the continuous belt. A control means 91 controls themovement of the platform 62 by the drive means along the elongate frameover the linear gauge 41 according to precise measurement determinedaccording to the control system.

Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a process and method for precisepositioning and cutting using a linear gauge system according to thepresent invention. The process includes providing a small lightweightaluminium gauge 121 having precision measurements along an elongatedpath. The lightweight gauge is mounted along a floor portion of aheavier self-supporting elongate support jacket or frame 122. Thesupport jacket 122 can be formed from a single or multi-componentstructure and the gauge is attached to the support to provide structuralintegrity for the lightweight gauge. The support jacket also includes alongitudinal slotted opening to receive and allow free movement of aplatform. A movable carriage 132 having a complementary receivingstructure is mounted to the gauge to allow movement of the carriagealong the gauge. A support platform 141 is mounted to the carriage andat least a portion of the platform extends through the slotted openingin the elongate support jacket. The system includes a drive means, agradation system, and a control means 151 in communication with thegradation system operable to control the drive means.

The drive means includes a continuous belt affixed to the platform, anda motor adapted to drive the belt and therefore move the carriage alongthe gauge to alter the position of the platform along the elongatesupport.

The gradation system includes a series of spaced apart openings on thelinear gauge 41 extending along the length of the linear gauge atpredetermined spacings, light emitting devices for dispersing lightthrough the spaced openings, light sensing devices for detecting lightthrough the openings, and a communication system for receiving andrelaying information from the light sensing devices to the controlmeans. The control means receives input data for locating a work pieceor a processing tool on the platform at a predetermined location alongthe elongate support jacket for performing a task on the work piece. Thecontrol means operates to control the motor, and receives feedback fromthe gradation system which allows the control means to control the motorto locate the carriage and platform according to precise measurementdetermined according to the control means.

This form of the present invention can provide the following benefits:

a. The linear gauge is precision engineered from lightweight material.b. The linear gauge is substantially non-weight bearing hence can bemade from material such as aluminium,c. Greater precision on linear gauge for locating a device forperforming work in a work piece

In an operating condition, a device such as a workpiece can be mountedon the movable platform and the control means can accurately locate thedevice at precise measurements along the elongated frame according tothe precision measurements of the linear gauge.

Forms of the present invention can provide the following benefits:

-   -   a. High accuracy | The most technologically advanced length stop        system on the market, assuring high position accuracy time after        time, year-after-year.    -   b. Simple to implement | Designed mechanically and ergonomically        to be a bolt-on, plug-and-run system, even for the most        sophisticated automation tasks.    -   c. High-value management | Designed for the simplest possible        jobs management using technology to make cumbersome processes        simple.

Also in embodiments of the invention there is provided:

-   -   I. Automatic length stop and feeder for saws, drills, presses        and more.    -   II. High quality touch-screen with simple to use control        interface.    -   III. ±0.1 mm positioning accuracy with the most advanced        positioning functions.    -   IV. Enter & go to length, increment feed with blade kerf        compensation, jog left/right.    -   V. Resettable cuts counter with job completed alert and blade        change alert.    -   VI. Intelligent job management system. Save jobs as one-part or        as bill-of-material    -   VII. (BOM) groups.    -   VIII. Simple wireless from-the-office job management. Create job        lists in Excel then drag-and-drop or e-mail to the linear gauge        system.    -   IX. 10,000+ jobs memory with edit, create, save, delete.    -   X. Intuitive from-the-console yield nesting. Your operator can        cut yield maximised jobs without the hassle of managing stock.        (optional)    -   XI. From-the-office stock management and nesting with        drag-and-drop, or e-mailing of optimised cut lists to the linear        gauge system. (optional)    -   XII. Automatic label printing or pin marking. (optional)    -   XIII. The most advanced safety features available:    -   XIV. Proprietary impact buffer system; not possible for operator        to damage Linear gauge system from any size hit.    -   XV. Active impact detection system with auto-release. Safely        removes jams every time.    -   XVI. Limit switch disabling the Linear gauge system when your        saw is not in its home position.

Linear gauge system feeder is a simple to implement solution for fullyautomating repetitive pushing or pulling tasks on your presses, saws anddrills. Convert your semi-automatic machinery into a production jet witha Linear gauge system feeder. This allows the user to:

-   -   A. Fully automate new or old semi-automatic saws, drills,        presses and more.    -   B. Automatic cutting to length, or pressing drilling to a pitch        on your existing machines.    -   C. Multiple times speed/productivity improvement with no        operator required.    -   D. No setup, fully automated running. Just enter the length, put        the material down, and press GO.    -   E. Automatic yield maximisation of your material with on-the-fly        length measurement and cut list nesting. (optional)    -   F. Also use as a length stop, with full features of Linear gauge        system length Stop (Advanced).    -   G. Complete auto-feeding solution for any machine. User        friendly, simple to implement.    -   H. Integrate it yourself, or we can complete integration for        you; at our factory or yours.    -   I. provide full turnkey automated solutions with Linear gauge        system feeder and other machines specified and made to your        production requirements.

Linear Gauge System| Special Applications

Linear gauge system length Stop and Feeder come optionally withautomatic yield maximisation nesting. It is available as a stockmanagement software solution for your office, or as a console-integratedsolution for the floor. Linear gauge system yield nesting optimisationprocess is designed to be intuitive and simple to use, whether youmanage it from the office or from the console.

From-the-office stock management software seamlessly integrates withLinear gauge system such that you can wirelessly drag-and-drop or e-mailoptimised cut lists to the linear gauge system, where it isautomatically loaded ready for the operator.

The improved system is designed so that yield nesting does not requirecumbersome stock management. Simply measure the material length andenter it into the linear gauge system. It then optimizes the job list,all you have to do is cut. Measure next one, and repeat. You can alsojust select ‘continuous stock’ if your material lengths are all the sameafter which there is no measuring. With the Linear gauge system feeder,the material length is automatically measured by an optical sensorduring feeding. So all your operator has to do is put the material onthe table and press GO.

With Linear gauge system you can setup a drilling part file with anunlimited number of holes and hole position data. You can setup your jobusing either absolute position for each hole, or relative to the lasthole, or a mix. With a push of a button, Linear gauge system moves thework piece to first hole position, with the hole information displayedfor the operator (diameter, depth, etc.). Your operator simply drillswith information provided, and goes on drilling using hole data, line byline. When all holes are drilled, Linear gauge system will alert theoperator part has been completed. Accurately drilled, no mistakes, everytime.

Have you got production requiring complex maths equations based onlength?

Say for example you're producing fencing cross-bars where you mustmeasure the bar length and then calculate how many holes you can placeon the bar, often in a special pattern. Linear gauge system feederautomatically measures the lengths of the tubes placed on it and thencan optionally be programmed to execute any mathematical equations yourequire for any hole pattern needed for production. This will beinitiated during feeding and holes will be pressed according to thecalculated pattern at high-speed, without delays. Accurately pressed, nomistakes, every time.

Have you got a cut-to-length business with many small-quantity jobs?

Set up your business operations with the Linear gauge system linkeddirectly to your front counter. Cut data (profile types, lengths andquantity) can be sent wirelessly and automatically from the frontcounter to Linear gauge system at the execution of each sale. At thesaw, operator reads the information for the job just sold on the Lineargauge system screen, fetches the correct stock, presses GO, and cuts theorder. On job completion, operator presses ‘Job Complete’ and Lineargauge system alerts Goods Despatch (or the Customer) that the order isready to go, in a fully integrated business operations system.

Linear gauge system Attachments

We have a range of standard and special-application attachments for anystop gauge or feeding requirement. Standard attachments not suitable? Wecan make any solution you need, and chances are that whatever you need,we've made before. If you want to make your own attachment, you can,many of our Customers do. Linear gauge system machines have astandardised three-bolt mount designed for easy attachment changeover.

Interpretation EMBODIMENTS

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases“in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughoutthis specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures orcharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would beapparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, inone or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description ofexample embodiments of the invention, various features of the inventionare sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, ordescription thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure andaiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventiveaspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claimsfollowing the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are herebyexpressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of SpecificEmbodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separateembodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some butnot other features included in other embodiments, combinations offeatures of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope ofthe invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood bythose in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of theclaimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinaladjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a commonobject, merely indicate that different instances of like objects arebeing referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects sodescribed must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, inranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are setforth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention maybe practiced without these specific details. In other instances,well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown indetail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated inthe drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake ofclarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to thespecific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that eachspecific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in asimilar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as“forward”, “rearward”, “radially”, “peripherally”, “upwardly”,“downwardly”, and the like are used as words of convenience to providereference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes asused herein is also an open term that also means including at least theelements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus,including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art willrecognize that other and further modifications may be made theretowithout departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intendedto claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope ofthe invention. For example, any formulas given above are merelyrepresentative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may beadded or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may beinterchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted tomethods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificexamples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theinvention may be embodied in many other forms.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described areapplicable to high precision location for cutting and lightweightconstruction gauge system.

1. A linear gauge system for locating adjacent a weight bearingelongated frame able to support an elongated product which is to beprocessed linearly, the linear gauge system comprising: a. a lineargauge, wherein the linear gauge is made precisely from a lightweightmaterial; b. an elongated support wherein the elongated support isformed of stronger material than the linear gauge; and c. a carriagemounted on the linear gauge to which is mounted a movable platform whichcan engage a workpiece on the adjacent weight bearing elongated frame;wherein the linear gauge is formed precisely separately to the elongatedsupport and mounted to the elongated support to provide the strength tothe linear gauge.
 2. (canceled)
 3. (canceled)
 4. (canceled)
 5. A lineargauge system according to claim 4 wherein the linear gauge is madeprecisely from predominately aluminium, wherein the elongated support isformed of steel, and wherein the elongated support is formed by at leasttwo sections as a strong hollow structure by at least two sections suchas L sections that interfit to form the hollow structure.
 6. A lineargauge system according to claim 1 wherein the linear gauge is mounted atleast substantially within the elongated support, and wherein thecarriage is generally inverted U-shape over the linear gauge and withinthe elongated support and engaging by bearings therebetween. 7.(canceled)
 8. A linear gauge system, for locating adjacent a weightbearing elongated frame able to support an elongated product which is tobe processed linearly, the linear gauge system comprising: a lineargauge having precision measurements mounted on an elongate support, theelongate support including a longitudinal slot; a carriage movablymounted on the linear gauge; a movable platform connected to thecarriage, the platform having a portion protruding through the slot, theprotruding portion adapted to receive and support a workpiece adjacentthe support; a drive means connected to the movable platform for drivingthe movable platform and the connected carriage to precise locationsalong the linear gauge; a control means for controlling the movement ofthe platform along the platform according to the required precisemeasurement; wherein the movable platform is adapted to cooperate with adevice such as a cutting device mounted at a fixed relative position,and the control means locates the device at precise measurements alongthe weight bearing elongated frame according to the precisionmeasurements of the linear gauge.
 9. (canceled)
 10. A linear gaugesystem according to claim 8 wherein the drive means is offset butpartially overlapping the carriage, and wherein the drive means includesa drive motor remote from the platform and able to drive the platform bya drive belt.
 11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. A linear gauge systemaccording to claim 8 wherein the drive means includes a drive belt, thedrive belt is a continuous loop belt connecting to opposite sides of theplatform, and wherein the continuous loop overlaps above and below thecarriage.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A linear gauge systemcomprising: a linear gauge having precision measurements; a weightbearing elongated frame located adjacent to the linear gauge; a movableplatform mounted on the weight bearing frame enabling travel along theweight bearing elongated frame; a drive means for driving the movableplatform; a control means for controlling the movement of the platformalong the platform according to precise measurement determined accordingto the linear gauge; wherein the movable platform is adapted to receivea device such as a cutting device mounted thereon, and the control meanslocates the device at precise measurements along the weight bearingelongated frame according to the precision measurements of the lineargauge.
 17. A linear gauge system according to claim 16 wherein theweight bearing elongated frame is located offset from and below thelinear gauge, and wherein the linear gauge is precision engineered fromaluminium.
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. A linear gauge systemaccording to claim 16 wherein the linear gauge is mounted on the weightbearing elongated frame, and wherein the weight bearing elongated framesubstantially encloses the linear gauge.
 21. (canceled)
 22. (canceled)23. (canceled)
 24. (canceled)
 25. A linear gauge system according toclaim 16 wherein the movable platform is mounted to a linear gaugecarriage, and wherein the linear gauge carriage is adapted to receive across-section of the weight bearing elongated frame to enable travelalong the elongated frame.
 26. A linear gauge system according to claim25 wherein a portion of the movable platform extends away from theweight bearing frame and supports the device mounted on the carriage.27. A linear gauge system according to claim 16 wherein the movableplatform is mounted to a linear gauge carriage travelling along thelinear gauge in a substantially non-weight bearing manner enablingprecision travel along the linear gauge.
 28. A linear gauge systemaccording to claim 27 wherein the linear gauge carriage substantiallyoverlies the linear gauge.
 29. A linear gauge system according to claim27 wherein the linear gauge carriage is a substantially inverted U-shapewhich overlies the linear gauge.
 30. A linear gauge system according toclaim 27 wherein the linear gauge carriage substantially glides alongthe linear gauge.
 31. A linear gauge system according to claim 27wherein the linear gauge carriage substantially glides along the lineargauge along elongated bearings.
 32. A linear gauge system according toclaim 16 wherein the drive means is mounted on the movable platform todrive it along the weight bearing frame.
 33. A linear gauge systemaccording to claim 16 wherein the drive means is mounted on the weightbearing frame and connected to the movable platform to drive it alongthe weight bearing frame.
 34. A linear gauge system according to claim16 wherein the drive means is mounted alongside the weight bearing frameand includes a motor driving an elongated member connected to themovable platform to selectively locate the movable platform along theweight bearing frame.
 35. A linear gauge system according to claim 16wherein the drive means is mounted to the weight bearing frame andincludes a motor driving an elongated member extending in a continuousloop around spigots at or near spaced ends of the weight bearing frameand connected to opposing sides of the movable platform to selectivelylocate the movable platform along the weight bearing frame.